This past year has proven to be quite an extraordinary time for cosmetics. Velvety smooth matte lipsticks, hybrid gloss/stain lip products, rich eyeshadow textures and colors, and amazing cream shadows and liners seem to have dominated the industry. We can only hope 2015 will bring us even more phenomenal creations. Without further ado, I present my personal highlights from this past year. I hope you enjoy!

Best of Beauty 2014 Eyes:

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo #5 Vulcano.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadows ME-654, I-524, and M-600.

Giorgio Armani Eye and Brow Maestro 2 Wenge Wood.

Giorgio Armani Eye and Brow Maestro 9 Gold.

Guerlain Liquid Eyeliner 02 Bleu Outremer.

Bobbi Brown Black Scotch Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.

Givenchy 9 Brun Cachemire Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow.

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is without a doubt one of the best eyeshadow primers I have ever used. This gem keeps eyeshadows in place beautifully and blending shadows does not seem like such a chore.

Best of Beauty 2014 Face:

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter.

Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Nude Powder Foundation.

Diorskin Star Concealer 003 Sable/Sand.

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is my facial moisturizer during the winter months. My overly dry skin soaks up this rich cream like a sponge, leaving a feeling of complete hydration for the entirety of the day.

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush 10 Beige continues to be my favorite blush color. The pink/beige base color with delicate pink pearl is beyond flattering and has proven to be long-lasting when applied with a slightly dampened brush.

Girlactik Allure Matte Lip Paint is technically a liquid lipstick, but I use this mainly in place of a lipliner. The smooth non-drying, long-lasting formula makes lips impervious to feathering. So smitten was I with this formula, the color Demure (review coming soon) became the newest addition to my makeup family.

Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Lipsticks have been praise to no end on this blog. I cannot think of another matte lipstick that can even match the texture and silky smooth feel of this line.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats are wonderful matte lipstick formulations. These babies adhere to the lips instantly and leave the most potent stain behind.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipsticks came with a promise of hydration, longevity and comfortable wear. The subtle sheen finish was designed to make lips appear more plump. Judging by the four tubes in my possession, it is safe to say, I’m sold!

Dior Addict Fluid Sticks have been such a wonderful investment. The lightweight texture and cooling sensation instantly awakens any look, especially when worn over a drying lipstick.

Chikuhodo Z-Series brushes are the most exquisite brushes I have ever used. These brushes are meant to be used with powder products only. The soft bristles blend the most pigmented powders to professional perfection.

Philosophy Supernatural Airbrush Brush is an oldie but a goodie that was resuscitated for use with my Guerlain Powder Foundation. The soft dense synthetic bristles effectively works powder into the skin, giving flawless results.

Wayne Goss Brush 01 is a wonderful brush that works especially well with liquid foundations. Currently, I use this brush to apply my cream and/or powder highlighter.

Memebox Brushes are meant for travel, but the short handles and brush head designs are perfect for everyday use. In addition, the affordable price makes this set an even more attractive offering.

Best of Beauty 2014 Nails:

Estee Lauder Insolent Plum Pure Color Nail Lacquer (with flash).

Estee Lauder Insolent Plum Pure Nail Color is my favorite color from 2014. The cream formula is classic and appropriate for many occasions. Best of all, the Estee Lauder’s formula removes easily without color bleeding or staining of the nails.

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you this has been a fantastic year for cosmetics. The innovative formulas and colors seem to have come alive this year. What have been some of your favorites of 2014? As always, be well, stay safe and be happy. May you have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me, with the exception of Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Lipsticks and Memebox Brush Set (PR samples). *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

There was a time when I dismissed The Vampire Diaries as just another young teen drama–that was until saucy VampireKatherine Pierce entered the scene. I mean look at her, how can anyone resist her charms, be it by compulsion or otherwise? What sets Katherine apart from her virtuous Doppelgänger Elena, is her inflated ego, a cut-throat demeanor, impeccable style and fierce makeup 🙂 Her distinct cut-crease eye makeup is present in almost every scene. So for this post, I bring you my rendition of Katherine Pierce’s eye makeup…now if only I could live forever, be forever young and feast on lasagna instead of resorting to exsanguination 🙂 One can dream…

Start by choosing a cool tone brown eyeshadow. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo 4 Wood Eyeshadow (reviewed here) was applied using an angled brush (Memebox Meme Angled Brush) to outline the upper lash line and draw a line above my natural crease. This method opens-up the eye area and gives the illusion of a larger lid space.

The Vampire Diaries Katherine Pierce Inspired Eye Makeup Tutorial: Take a blending brush to blend out the harsh line.

Take any densely packed blending brush (Memebox Meme Eyeshadow Brush) and blend out the crease line, picking up color as you see fit. Be mindful not to let any of the color seep on the lid area–Katherine loves a defined crease with a brightening lighter color on the lid.

Next, a liquid liner (Prestige Line & Style Ink Pen) was applied as a preliminary guide for my pencil liner (L’Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner), being mindful not to cover the cool brown eyeshadow that was initially placed along the lash line. This step can be omitted if you have a steady hand with your pencil liner; however, I find the two formulas produce a truly deep black color that is unbeatable.

Sharpen the edge of your winged liner with an angled Q-Tip dipped in lotion. This step is essential in creating a gap between the upper and lower portion of the eye.

The Vampire Diaries Katherine Pierce Inspired Eye Makeup Tutorial: Apply a flesh-colored pencil to the lower waterline right to the edge of the eye, extending the color under the winged liner.

Next, is the quintessential Katherine makeup trick. A flesh-colored pencil (Merle Norman Inner Liner) was applied on the waterline and extended outwards under the winged liner. Applying the color at the inner cusp, where the upper and lower lids meet, gives the illusion of a more youthful and lifted eye.

Blend out the flesh color pencil thoroughly, with a small eyeshadow brush (Meme Liner Brush). To ensure the pencil base stays in place, I like to add an accompanying eyeshadow color on top (MUFE M-510).

Take your angled eyeliner brush and pick up some of the cool brown color (GA #4 Wood). Line the lower lash line ¼ of the way, concentrating the color at the edge. Following the natural curvature of your lower lashes, extend the color away from the eye. This technique was very popular in the 60’s and 70’s and if you look closely, Katherine employs this method for all of her looks.

Add a bronze colored eyeshadow (Cargo Waterproof Bronzer) directly on top of the cool brown color on the lower lash line. This step is optional, but as I have stated in the past, I believe adding a bronze hue on the lower lash line is very flattering.

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you this Katherine Pierce inspired makeup look has proven to be quite a hit. I have worn this look many times and on each occasion, random people felt “compelled” to compliment my eye makeup. Won’t you try it and see for yourself. Be well, stay safe and be happy.

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

Traditional, smokey eye tutorials feature brown, gray, and black eyeshadows. I have found that the aubergine tone of Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano is the perfect color to make any eye color pop. The matte formula and velvet finish of this color, make this smokey eye look quite unique and unforgettable. I hope you enjoy. (Please excuse the slight lighting variation; the sun was going in and out on this day.)

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano used with a dampened angled brush as an intense eyeliner.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano used with a dampened angled brush as an intense eyeliner.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow primer (I used Nars). Dampen any angled brush (I used my Meme Eyeliner Brush) with water (I use Witch Hazel) and dip the brush into the pan using a good amount of pressure. You want to saturate the brush tip with an adequate amount of color. Apply the color thickly along the lash line and create a wing at the ends. This will act as a guide for the black liquid liner that will be applied later.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano smudged on top of the dried liner.

Step 2: Use a dry dual ended brush (I used Billy B #12 Brush) or a sponge tip applicator and smudge a light amount of Vulcano over the liner. I like to stop midway on the lid. The goal is to create a hazy layer over the darken line to make the eyes appear larger. This technique will not disrupt the liner, because once Vulcano sets it does not budge.

Make Up For Ever Artist Eyeshadow M-510 with Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush.

Make Up For Ever M-510 applied to the rest of the mobile lid and on the brow bone.

Step 3: Apply a matte flesh-colored shadow (I used MUFE M-510) to the rest of the mobile lid using a soft eyeshadow brush (I used Chikuhodo Z-5), blending some color onto the edge of Vulcano. This lighter color will not only brighten and even out the rest of the lid, but it will also blend out any of Vulcano’s harsh edges. Apply the same matte flesh color to the brow bone area.

Make Up For Ever Artist Eyeshadow M-600 with Meme Eyeshadow Brush.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow M-600 applied to the crease.

Step 4: To add depth to this look, add a warm brown matte color (I used MUFE M-600) to the crease area using a soft eyeshadow brush (I used Meme Eyeshadow Brush). The warmth of the crease color perfectly enhances Vulcano’s aubergine tone.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow I-524 applied to the inner corner of the eye.

Step 5: Add any brightening pink-based eyeshadow/highlighter (I used MUFE I-524) to the inner corner. This will open up the eye area and the iridescent texture proved to be an interesting and attractive contrast against all the matte shadows.

Prestige Line & Style Ink Pen applied to the very base of the upper lash line.

Step 6: Apply liquid liner of your choice (I used Presitge Line and Style Ink Pen), using the first layer of Vulcano as a guide; being diligent not to completely cover the line. Should you become overzealous with you liquid liner and cover too much of the original line, reapply more Vulcano with your dampened angled brush directly on top of the black line. The darkened aubergine color against the black liner will give your eyes a doe-like effect and really make them appear larger.

Tightline your upper waterline using Iglot AMC Eyeliner Gel in #90.

Sharpen the outer corners of your wing by using a pointed Q-Tip dipped in your lotion.

Step 7: Take your gel liner (I use Ingot #90) and tightline your upper waterline, making sure to cover any gaps in-between the lashes. Use a pointed Q-Tip dipped in lotion to sharpen and clean up the edges of your wing.

Step 8: Apply a light bronze color thickly along the lower lash line. It is my personal belief, using a bronze shade on the lower lash line really accentuates the eyes, more so than using the same color that was applied on the lids.

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you this smokey eye look will make your eyes stand-out. Use any eyeshadow color or brand of your liking or cream products if you have really oily lids. Regardless, I hope you found the technique helpful to create your own unique smokey eye. Until next time, be well, stay safe and be happy.

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me, with the exception of the Meme Brush Set. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

Current Favorites.Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder used with the BeautyBlender.

Lancome Teint Idole 24H Foundation340 (N) Bisque lasts all day with slight oil break through on the T-Zone area. Plus the color selection is amazing, I have never had a foundation match my skin coloring so well.

Guerlain Meteorites Primer is lovely, but severely overpriced for what it does. There are other primers that do the job just as well for a fraction of the price.

Chantecaille Gel Bronzer (reviewed here)has been used since my little beach excursion. Someone forgot to tell me to rotate my beach chair, as a result, the right side of my face is more tan than the left. I use this guy to even myself out.

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (reviewed here) has been the secret to my “flawless” skin. I simply use a DRYBeautyBlender to pick up product, tap off the excess on a towel and use the “press and roll” method to apply the powder onto the T-Zone area and on any enlarged pores around my cheeks.

Wayne Goss 01 Brush (reviewed here) is the ultimate foundation (everything) brush. There is no going back to another brush. Enough said!

Estee Lauder 04 Crystal Baby Gelee (reviewed here) is such a lovely pearlescent pink highlighter. I use my slightly dampened Tom Ford Cream Foundation Brush (reviewed here) to apply the powder to highlight the cheek bones. Just remember to use this beauty sparingly to avoid looking like a disco ball.

Giorgio Armani 10 Beige Sheer Blush remains my favorite blush color. This muted pinky/beige hue seems to go with every makeup look under the sun. Use with a dense dampened brush for more color intensity and longevity.

Vincent Longo Sandalwood Dew Drop Blush (reviewed here) is just as finely milled as 10 Beige, but gives me the option to utilize a peach blush for certain looks. I prefer to apply this pigmented powder with my Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlighter Brush for even and smooth results.

Cargo Waterproof Bronzer combined with Givenchy 9 Brun Cachemire (reviewed here) are my everyday lower lash line colors. Applying the same colors to my lower lash line as those on my lid, does not look particularly flattering on my eyes. The resulting bronze coloring defines the area and brightens the eyes.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadows in 2 Armani Navy and 9 Tadzio (reviewed here and here) have amazing pigmentation and longevity; the latter looks so delicious when applied with a dampened brush.

YSL #07 Gold Star Cream Liner makes an amazing waterline color. I find this formula lasts all day with slight fading on the outer corners. As an added bonus, the deep gold coloring looks great with a variety of eye looks.

Clinique High Impact Extreme Mascara has served me well for the last few months. It does exactly what it claims to do.

Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush (reviewed here) is the one brush that can do it all (at least on my eye shape). The soft dense hairs pick-up color quickly and delicately. Never a scratchy moment with this beauty.

Sonia Kashuk Concealer Brush is used dampened to apply my eyeshadows. The synthetic fibers are rather resilient and the price cannot be beat. Lately, I have been using this wonder to apply Armani Navy along the upper lash line and in the outer corners.

Nars Eyeshadow Primer (reviewed here) is the best eyeshadow primer……period.

Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen (reviewed here) has been in my possession for 10 months and has remained as inky black as the first day I brought it home. The quality of the dual ended felt tips is outstanding, they remain unaffected by eyeshadow residue. My Milani Eyeliner was prone to eyeshadow build-up, as a result, the tip no longer dispense product.

Shu Uemura 05 Stone Gray was discovered in the back of one of my makeup drawers. Even though the color is a bit deeper than it predecessor, 02 Seal Brown, a pencil this wonderful could not go to waste. My 02 Seal Brown Pencil lasted 3 years before a replacement was needed.

Organic Coconut Oil is my night-time/summer-time moisturizer. Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. wrote a great book called, The Coconut Oil Miracle, outlining all the benefits of Coconut Oil. He states, “Polynesians, who traditionally wear very little clothing, have beautiful skin without blemishes and without cancer. The reason is they eat coconuts and use the oil on their bodies as a lotion.”

Natures Gate Toothpaste is one of the few toothpaste brands that is fluoride-free and sodium laurel sulfate free.

L’Oreal Oleo Shampoo is sulfate-free and smells heavenly. I would purchase Sienna Naturals Shampoo, but my son goes through shampoo like water and requires a readily available and affordable alternative.

Sienna Naturals Leave-In-Conditioner was recommended by Olivia from The Unknown Beauty Blog (her fabulous review here). I love this product, the all natural formula truly smooths out the hair without weighting it down. I’m on my second bottle, my son used up the first bottle completely.

Target Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover gets the job done. Although I am a devoted Bioderma user, as of late, I feel a tinge of resentment over the inflated price ($40) for a makeup remover. The same product in France cost $10 dollars.

City of Heavenly Fire is the last book in The Mortal Instrument Series. If you enjoy a quick supernatural read, then this series is for you. The movie was a major disappointment, the series had the potential to be the next Harry Potter and they wrecked that opportunity with a horrible script and subpar actors.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde is the only perfume that will last during the hottest of days. I would love to describe the notes and so on, but Gaia from The NonBlondeis the source for all things fragrance related.

Estee Lauder Insolent Plum Nail Lacquer is amazing. The left photo shows the polish on the first day and the right photo shows the polish on the fifth day with a fresh top coat added.

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you I would love to hear some of the things you have been loving lately. Be well stay safe and be happy.

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me, with the exception of Lipstick Queen Private Party. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

Chikuhodo makeup brushes are renowned for their handmade quality and attention to detail. Just like Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush (reviewed here), Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush ($43 USD) is yet another example of an eyeshadow brush done right. The size, shape, hair quality, design, and weight are so meticulously constructed, I often wonder why I waited so long to purchase this beauty.

Hairs are tapered with a “flat-round” shape–ideal for all over color application, crease color and lower lash line color application.

Larger head size is perfect for fast application of eyeshadow during busy mornings.

Soft gray squirrel hair is ideal for people with very sensitive skin..feels like silk on the skin.

Has not shed one hair during usage or deep cleaning.

Shorter handle (5.3 inches/13.4 cm/135 mm from tip to base) will allow people to get up close to makeup mirrors, without the annoyance of having the brush handle bump into the mirror.

Wooden handle is engraved with the company name on one side and the brush name on the other.

Now-eproject offers a personalized service where anyone can have their name engrave on the brush for an additional two dollars per brush.

Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush.

Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush.

The Cons to Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush:

Not sold in any retail location in the US. Ordering such an expensive brush from an online source takes a tremendous leap of faith.

People with smaller lid space will find this brush overwhelming.

Gray Squirrel hair can only be used with powder eyeshadows…don’t even think about using this angel with cream eyeshadows.

Deep cleaning is recommended once a month…so if you feel an overpowering urge to wash your brushes on a weekly basis…DON’T. Chikuhodo suggests to “dry” clean gray squirrel brushes on a clean towel in-between uses.

Smashbox #7 comes the closest in size to Chikuhodo Z-5. Both brushes perform similarly, but Chikuhodo surpass Smashbox in terms of design and softness. Chikuhodo’s tapered head is suitable for more precise eyeshadow application, whereas Smashbox’s brush head is structured more as a blending brush.

Shu Uemura #10 is clearly not the same type of brush, Shu is primarily designed to lay down color on the lid. Chikuhodo is able to deposit and blend out color at the same time. Shu Uemura #10 is an excellent brush and has served me well for 14 years. I prefer to use #10 when I want a heavy eyeshadow application.

Billy B #8 (reviewed here) is a great little brush for just about anything–the only difference other than the size, is the quality–would love it if Chikuhodo came out with a brush of this size in their Z-Series.

All eyeshadows (with the exception of the liner) were applied with Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush.

All eyeshadows were applied with Chikuhodo Z-5 Brush: Bobbi Brown Cement on the mobile lid, Too Faced Bronzer in the crease, Bobbi Brown Bone under the brow bone, Cargo Water-Resistant Bronzer on the lower lash line and Bobbi Brown Espresso applied lightly in the outer corners. Chantecaille Iron Ore Eyeshadow (reviewed here) was used wet on the upper lash line with Estee Lauder Angled Eyeliner Brush.

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush is one of those makeup tools you will always reach for, never regret buying and secretly wish for multiple back-ups. I hope you enjoyed. Be well, stay safe and be happy.

-Maria

*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

May 28, 2014

My Life Motto: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Cash Back Every Time You Shop!

Quote of the Day:

As a well-day spent brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.